SOCHI, Russia -- Paul Stastny scored twice during a six-goal barrage in the second period, and the United States got off to a spectacular start in the Olympic men's hockey tournament with a 7-1 victory over Slovakia on Thursday.

Ryan Kesler, David Backes, Phil Kessel and Dustin Brown also scored as the Americans battered Slovakia for six consecutive goals in a 13:51 span, turning what was expected to be a tough matchup into a laugher.

Jonathan Quick made 22 saves in his Olympic debut for the U.S., which hopes to improve on its silver-medal finish in Vancouver despite a roster that isn't thought to have the offensive power of Canada, Russia or Sweden.

Russia 5, Slovenia 2

Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist in a breathtaking start and the Russians went on to beat Slovenia.

The Slovenians were competitive for two-plus periods in their first Olympic hockey game ever.

Ziga Jeglic had two goals in the second period -- one before Evgeni Malkin scored and one after -- to pull Slovenia, a team with one NHL player, within a score of a talented team.